Westchester Reporter

During World Breastfeeding Week, from August 1 through 7, and National Breastfeeding Month in August, the Westchester County Department of Health is recognizing breastfeeding mothers for their contributions to public health. The department also underscores the importance of support from the community, family, and employers.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, stated: “I encourage all new mothers to try breastfeeding because breast milk is best for baby and support is available for working mothers who breastfeed. Breast milk provides antibodies that can protect infants from diseases before they are fully vaccinated. It can reduce their risk of Sudden Infant Death and their risk of obesity later in life, and it also benefits mothers.”

The theme for this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support For All.” Employers are legally required to provide private, hygienic spaces for nursing employees to pump breast milk and must inform employees about their rights regarding expressing breast milk at work. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding until infants are six months old and encourages continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods up to two years or more if mutually desired by mother and child.

Through its Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Health Department offers support to breastfeeding mothers by providing breast pumps, additional nutritious food, and assistance from certified lactation counselors and peer counselors. From March through June 2024, 89 percent of postpartum WIC participants initiated breastfeeding—an increase from 86 percent a year ago. Currently, nearly 200 WIC moms are exclusively breastfeeding while over 500 are partially breastfeeding.

To highlight the benefits of breastfeeding and honor exclusively breastfeeding WIC moms, the Westchester County Health Department WIC program is collecting photos of WIC moms breastfeeding along with statements about what breastfeeding means to them. These photos will be displayed in County WIC clinics to recognize these families and encourage continued breastfeeding. The WIC Program employs three Peer Counselors who support individual needs related to breastfeeding. Additionally, the agency conducts classes twice a month in English and Spanish on this topic.

Westchester WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator Celine De Tosellet-Perez remarked: “WIC promotes breastfeeding as the best way to feed infants. We offer peer counseling and lactation support during the prenatal period, which helps our breastfeeding mothers continue in the early postpartum period and beyond.”

Amler also acknowledged local hospitals' efforts in supporting new mothers as they begin breastfeeding and urged community backing for those who continue as their babies grow.

For more information on breastfeeding resources available through Westchester County Health Department visit www.westchestergov.com/health.